New US rule to come into effect on Jan. 25

The US Department of Homeland Security has formulated new requirements for importers of ocean cargo entering the US, with the purpose of enhancing port security and ensuring cargo safety.

Known as the rule for ‘Import Security Filing and Additional Requirements’ (10+2), it will come into effect on January 25, 2009. US Customs will commence full enforcement of the new regulation on January 25, 2010.

Currently, importers are required to file entry information with Customs within 15 calendar days of the date of arrival of a shipment at a US port of entry. Importers must also submit entry summary information within 10 working days of the entry of the merchandise.

The new regulation requires Importer Security Filing (ISF) importers or their agents to provide specific cargo information to Customs at least 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard a vessel destined to the US.

Beginning January 25, 2009, importers will be required to submit the following 10 data elements:

Seller

Buyer

Importer of record

Consignee number

Manufacturer or supplier

Ship to Party

Country of Origin

Harmonised Commodity Code

Container Stuffing Location

Consolidator

The US Customs will request that the cargo for which this information has not been received in full and in time not be loaded, according to Exim News Service.

Source: Transportweekly